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Reps. Meeks, Velázquez, Meng, and Goldman Join IRS Workers to Expose Unsafe and Overcrowded Conditions at Brooklyn Office

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Brooklyn, N.Y. – U.S. Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Grace Meng (NY-06), and Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined IRS and CFPB employees to call on the Trump administration to act to immediately address overcrowded and unsafe working conditions at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office in Brooklyn. 

“It is unconscionable that the very federal employees who serve the public each day are being subjected to hazardous, overcrowded, and inhumane working conditions,” Congressman Meeks said. “We cannot allow a return-to-office mandate to become a tool for dismantling vital agencies or forcing out dedicated public servants. IRS and CFPB employees and other civil servants across the country, deserve dignity, proper accommodations, and a safe environment in which to do their jobs. I stand with them in demanding accountability and immediate action from this administration.” 

“What’s happening to IRS and CFPB workers in New York is unacceptable,” Congresswoman Velázquez said. “Since this administration’s return to office mandate, workers are being crammed into overcrowded spaces without proper equipment or privacy, while those with serious health needs are denied basic accommodations. This is all part of Trump and DOGE’s efforts to push out federal workers and tear down their disfavored agencies. These public servants deserve safe conditions, basic respect, and a government that follows the law.”

The Members visited the IRS office last month and heard directly from employees facing unsafe conditions, mobility barriers, and repeated denials of remote work despite medical needs. At the press conference, workers shared their experiences under the Trump administration’s return to office mandate, including being forced to work in overcrowded public interview rooms, returning from medical leave without support, and being denied telework even during chemotherapy and pregnancy.

CFPB employees also spoke about being locked out of their Manhattan office for months, with no access to their workspaces or personal belongings.

During the press conference, the lawmakers and workers called for urgent improvements to working conditions, including legally required accommodations for disabled and pregnant workers, and greater accountability from the federal government regarding the unacceptable conditions at offices like 2 MetroTech.

“Imposing adverse working conditions is not how we should treat those who work nonstop to serve us,” Congresswoman Grace Mengsaid. I support cutting government waste and rooting out fraud and abuse. But that is not what’s happening here. This is throwing our federal workforce into chaos and not treating our federal workers with the dignity and respect they deserve. To all our IRS employees who are impacted, we hear you. We see you. We stand with you. And we will continue fighting on your behalf until this situation improves.” 

“The conditions at the 2 MetroTech IRS office in Brooklyn are illegal and unacceptable,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “A long-simmering problem has now become a full-blown crisis under this administration’s blanket return-to-office mandate, which has forced hundreds more employees into workspaces plagued by mold, leaks, and unsanitary conditions. This is not neglect but intentional: the Administration is trying to make workplace conditions so bad for federal workers that they voluntarily leave and prevent the government from fulfilling its mission.  I was proud to stand with my New York City colleagues and the National Treasury Employees Union to demand immediate action from the Trump Administration to fix these conditions and ensure federal workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“The IRS has denied reasonable accommodations to our Manhattan members with at risk pregnancies, persons in wheel chairs and other mobility limitations, and persons with acute and chronic illnesses requiring regular healthcare. This is unacceptable and we call on the agency to abide by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, federal law, and common decency and reinstate telework reasonable accommodations.”- Autherine Wilson, NTEU Chapter 47 IRS President

“The New York City IRS offices are overcrowded. Many people are forced to work in conference rooms and cramped interview rooms here at 2 Metrotech. Some of my co-workers here are forced to telework, while some of my disabled co-workers have been forced to work without reasonable accommodations. As federal workers, we deserve dignity and respect in the workplace.”- Yeranissa Almanzar, IRS Worker

“I have been employed in the IRS for 38 years. I use a wheelchair to get around due to my disability. I was able to work at the IRS because I had a reasonable accommodation to work remotely until this year. I love my job, can function at the highest levels and have no problems at work as long as I have a reasonable accommodation.”- Larry Rosenbluth, IRS Worker

“By denying IRS workers reasonable accommodations and locking CFPB employees out of their offices, the administration is putting up barriers to us doing our jobs. We just want to do our work and provide the services that Americans count on.”- Jim Savage, CFPB Worker

“The way the IRS is treating our disabled and pregnant employees who need reasonable accommodations is despicable. At Chapter 271, we always have our members backs and will not give up the fight until the agency reinstates reasonable accommodations for our members.”- Kevin Williams, NTEU Chapter 271 President 

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MENG CALLS OUT TRUMP ADMIN’S LACK OF TRANSPARENCY ON SPENDING, DEMANDS AGENCIES FOLLOW LAW

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Full-year continuing resolution (CR) requires each agency to submit a detailed spend plan showing how they are implementing fiscal year 2025 appropriations. However, nearly four months after enactment of the Appropriations Act, many agencies have yet to submit legally compliant plans.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies of the House Appropriations Committee sent letters to the leaders of the Department of Commerce, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Science Foundation, calling out the administration’s unacceptable failure to submit detailed spend plans for each agency to the Appropriations Committees, as required by law. 

Federal agencies are legally required to provide more granular details about how they are spending taxpayer dollars each fiscal year. These spend plans are critical to determine if Agency spending aligns with the law. However, as Meng writes, these agencies have failed to submit adequate and legally compliant spend plans to Congress, nearly four months following the enactment of the Appropriations Act.

In addition, in the case of NASA, Meng pointed out that the “failure…to comply with the law raises concerns about [NASA’s] intentions with respect to certain missions—particularly those in the Science Mission Directorate…” and that  “[t]he absence of a spend plan also appears to be an attempt to avoid the question of whether NASA may seek large-scale reductions in force, beyond the multiple early retirement options provided to employees, as proposed in the [fiscal year 2026] budget request.”  Meng further noted that at a NASA employee “town hall” meeting last week, the Acting NASA Administrator’s chief of staff was quoted as saying “If we were to wait for all of the congressional process to unfold and get to final resolution to make any movements or do anything, it would probably be considered irresponsible.”  As Meng emphasized in her letter, “Such a statement is itself irresponsible, and should be clarified immediately.”

The full letters are available HERE and below:

July 9, 2025

 

The Honorable Howard Lutnick

Secretary of Commerce

1401 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20230

Dear Mr. Secretary:

            I am writing to you regarding a significant matter of Government transparency and a related issue of legal compliance. Section 1113 of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4) requires the Commerce Department to submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a spending, expenditure, or operating plan for fiscal year 2025: (1) at the program, project, or activity level, or (2) as applicable, at any greater level of detail required for funds covered by such a plan in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Act, in the joint explanatory statement accompanying such Act, or in committee report language incorporated by reference in such joint explanatory statement. Such a plan was required to be submitted not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of Public Law 119-4 (i.e., by April 29, 2025).

            On May 22, 2025, the Commerce Department sent the Appropriations Committees an operating plan. However, this plan merely repeated the appropriations account levels enacted by Congress, and did not provide the greater levels of detail as required by Section 1113 of Public Law 119-4.  Therefore, this plan is not compliant with the law.  

Nearly four months have now passed since enactment of the Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025. This is unacceptable. The Department must follow the law and provide its fiscal year 2025 operating plan. I expect you to immediately submit to the Appropriations Committees all of the legally required details regarding the Department’s uses of fiscal year 2025 funding. 

            Thank you for your urgent attention to this important matter.  If you are unwilling to provide the plan, please contact me personally and directly immediately. I look forward to receiving the plan.

Sincerely,

Grace Meng                                                                            
Ranking Member                                                                    
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,                                    
Science, and Related Agencies

July 9, 2025

 

The Honorable Sean Duffy

Acting Administrator 

NASA

300 Hidden Figures Way, SW

Washington, DC 20546

Dear Acting Administrator Duffy: 

            Congratulations on your appointment[1]. As I have previously noted for your predecessor NASA faces a significant matter of Government transparency and a related issue of legal compliance. Section 1113 of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4) requires NASA to submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a spending, expenditure, or operating plan for fiscal year 2025: (1) at the program, project, or activity level, or (2) as applicable, at any greater level of detail required for funds covered by such a plan in the fiscal year 2024 Appropriations Act, in the joint explanatory statement accompanying such Act, or in committee report language incorporated by reference in such joint explanatory statement. Such plan was required to be submitted not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of Public Law 119-4 (i.e., by April 29, 2025).

            Although NASA sent the Appropriations Committees a plan that repeated the appropriations account levels enacted by Congress, it did not provide the greater levels of detail as required by Section 1113 of Public Law 119-4. Therefore, this plan is not compliant with the law.  

Nearly four months have now passed since enactment of the Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025. NASA’s failure thus far to comply with the law raises concerns about its intentions with respect to certain missions – particularly those in the Science Mission Directorate for which the President’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal requests cancelation. The absence of a spend plan also appears to be an attempt to avoid the question of whether NASA may seek large-scale reductions in force, beyond the multiple early retirement options provided to employees, as proposed in the budget request. 

As you well know, unless and until Congress enacts legislation determining NASA’s level of appropriated funds, the agency is not to take any action to impound or defer appropriated funds unless Congress rescinds them by legislation, nor should NASA undertake any transfer, reprogramming, or reorganization actions outside of the procedures outlined in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 and continued by Public Law 119-4.[2]

Ordinarily, this reminder would go without saying. However, at an employee “town hall” meeting last week, NASA’s chief of staff was quoted as saying “If we were to wait for all of the congressional process to unfold and get to final resolution to make any movements or do anything, it would probably be considered irresponsible.”[3] Such a statement is itself irresponsible, and should be clarified immediately.

As you are expected to be the Acting Administrator through at least the end of the fiscal year and well into fiscal year 2026, it is incumbent on you to be forthcoming with Congress about your plans for NASA’s use of taxpayer funds, its workforce, and its organization. It is imperative that you comply with the law by producing a detailed spending plan and briefing the Subcommittee prior to proposing any reorganization of NASA. If you are unwilling to do so, please contact me personally and directly immediately.  I look forward to receiving the plan.

Sincerely,

Grace Meng                                                                            
Ranking Member                                                                    
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,                                    
Science, and Related Agencies   

      

July 9, 2025

Brian Stone

Chief of Staff

Performing the Duties of the NSF Director

National Science Foundation

2415 Eisenhower Avenue 

Alexandria, VA 22314

Dear Mr. Stone:

            I am writing to you regarding a significant matter of Government transparency and a related issue of legal compliance. Section 1113 of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4) requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a spending, expenditure, or operating plan for fiscal year 2025: (1) at the program, project, or activity level, or (2) as applicable, at any greater level of detail required for funds covered by such a plan in the fiscal year 2024 Appropriations Act, in the joint explanatory statement accompanying such Act, or in committee report language incorporated by reference in such joint explanatory statement. Such a plan was required to be submitted not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of Public Law 119-4 (i.e., by April 29, 2025).

            On April 30, 2025, the National Science Foundation sent the Appropriations Committees a proposed Current Plan for fiscal year 2025. However, this plan merely repeated the appropriations account levels enacted by Congress, and did not provide the greater levels of detail as required by Section 1113 of Public Law 119-4. Therefore, this plan is not compliant with the law.  

Nearly four months have now passed since enactment of the Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025. This is unacceptable. The agency must follow the law and provide its fiscal year 2025 operating plan. I expect you to immediately submit to the Appropriations Committees all of the legally required details regarding the NSF’s uses of fiscal year 2025 funding.

            Thank you for your urgent attention to this important matter.  If you are unwilling to provide the plan, please contact me personally and directly immediately.  I look forward to receiving the plan.

Sincerely,

Grace Meng                                                                            
Ranking Member                                                                    
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,                                    
Science, and Related Agencies           

 

 

[2] See Division C of P.L. 118-42, NASA Administrative Provisions and section 505.

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MENG INTRODUCES LEGISLATION REQUIRING ICE AGENTS TO CLEARLY DISPLAY BADGES AND AGENCY TIES

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced that she introduced the ICE Badge Visibility Act (H.R.4298), a bill requiring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to visibly display their badge, badge number, and law enforcement affiliation when questioning, arresting, or detaining an individual.

This legislation was introduced in response to an alarming trend of ICE agents conducting immigration enforcement without identifying themselves. It is a commonsense solution that protects the public from those impersonating law enforcement, as well as the safety of agents interacting with members of the public.

“Law enforcement agents across many of our federal agencies are required to display their badge and badge number while on duty. It keeps our communities and our agents safe,” said Congresswoman Meng. “ICE agents on duty should be required to visibly identify themselves and their agency as well. This legislation would ensure a level of transparency between the public and our federal law enforcement.”

Many other law enforcement agents, including those serving in the New York City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), are already typically required by local, state, and/or federal laws to display their badges.

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MENG AND SALAZAR INTRODUCE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF THE U.S. IN ENDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, DC – Following the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on June 19th, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (NY-06), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, and Maria Salazar (FL-27) introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives affirming the role of the United States in eliminating sexual violence in conflict. 

Throughout history, sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war. In 2023, women and girls accounted for 95% of the reported cases of conflict-related sexual violence, enduring rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, and forced marriage. Sexual violence is considered a war crime, a crime against humanity, and an act of genocide and torture under international law. Despite this, it continues to occur across the globe with little consequence for its perpetrators.

The resolution aims to call attention to the need for the United States to continue to play a leading role in addressing conflict-related sexual violence, and strengthening legal reforms and justice for all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. It also seeks to recognize the need for all peace agreements to address conflict-related sexual violence and calls on the United States to ensure mechanisms to hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable are included in peacebuilding resolutions, and that women participate meaningfully in such peace processes in accordance with the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017. Additionally, the resolution would uplift and recognize the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, and those working to support them, to ensure they are not forgotten.

“Conflict-related sexual violence is an unspeakable crime that women and children worldwide continue to endure,” said Congresswoman Meng. “We have tools and resources to eradicate this violence and hold perpetrators accountable and now is the time to take action. This resolution affirms the important and leading role the United States plays in addressing conflict-related sexual violence, namely through our efforts to promote women’s participation in economic, civic, and security decision-making and peace processes. Eliminating sexual violence in conflict should never be a partisan issue and I will continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to find commonsense solutions to end this crisis.

In 2023, there were 3,688 confirmed cases of sexual violence linked to conflict—a 50% rise from previous years. However, the real number is likely higher because many victims don’t report these crimes due to social stigma, limited support, and lack of accountability for offenders.

“At World Vision, we commend the recent introduction of this resolution, which highlights the need to prevent conflict-related sexual violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide adequate resources and health care to survivors,” said Margaret Schuler, Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at World Vision US. “In conflict areas such as Sudan, millions of women are at risk of becoming victims of physical or sexual violence. This resolution moves us one step closer to ending sexual violence in conflict zones and toward ensuring that all women and girls are protected and empowered, no matter where they live.”

“Too often, sexual violence is used as a weapon of war to repress or terrorize civilians, and women and girls often pay the biggest price, said Melanie Nezer, Vice President of Advocacy and External Relations at the Women’s Refugee Commission. “Women in conflict zones live in fear of sexual assault, yet are rarely able to access the protection, healthcare, or justice they deserve. Nobody should have to live this way. The Women’s Refugee Commission is grateful to Representative Meng and Representative Salazar for their bipartisan leadership on this issue of basic human rights. We urge all members of Congress to support the Resolution Affirming the Role of the US in Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict, and take a stand for the dignity, safety, and futures of women and girls and all who are at risk of conflict related sexual violence.” 

Every year on June 19th, the international community marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honor the victims and survivors, and to pay tribute to all those who have devoted their lives to standing up for the eradication of these crimes.

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MENG FIGHTS FOR MONEY FOR MASPETH FIREHOUSE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) renewed her fight to help overhaul the FDNY’s Squad 288/HazMat 1 firehouse in Maspeth, Queens, following a report about the need to revamp the facility.

Over the past year, the Congresswoman has been working to secure federal funding to upgrade the firehouse. She recently obtained $2 million in a key spending bill that would pay for critical renovations in the building, and the money continues to move through the legislative process.

“We need to ensure that our brave firefighters have the resources they need to keep us safe and save lives, and that includes those at Squad 288/HazMat 1 in Maspeth,” said Congresswoman Meng. “During my recent visit to their firehouse, I saw firsthand how repairs and improvements are necessary, and I will continue pushing this crucial funding through Congress until it reaches the finish line.”

“Our firehouses have sadly been allowed to fall into deplorable states, but this funding would go a long way towards righting the wrongs at the Squad 288/HazMat 1 house,” said New York City Councilwoman Joann Ariola, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Fire and Emergency Management. “Our heroes deserve safe, structurally sound firehouses to go back to when they aren’t saving the lives of their fellow New Yorkers. This investment would help give that to the men and women of Squad 288/HazMat 1, and ensure that they can continue protecting the people of Maspeth and beyond for many years to come. Thank you to Congresswoman Meng for working so hard to secure this funding and improve the lives and safety of New York’s Bravest.”

“The UFA appreciates Congressmember Meng’s efforts to secure funding for the necessary and long overdue repairs to the quarters of Squad 288 and HazMat 1,” said Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) Vice President Robert Eustace. “We applaud her sense of urgency and her commitment to ensuring the safety of our City’s Bravest.”

The Congresswoman’s funds would go towards replacing the firehouse’s apparatus floor and overhauling its electrical and mechanical systems. The apparatus floor is the main space of the firehouse that includes its specialty vehicles, bunker gear, workbenches, tools, equipment and all other necessary items. With the firehouse dating back to 1914, these types of financial investments are essential to ensuring the facility’s longevity, and sustaining the services that Squad 288/HazMat 1 provides.

During her visit, Meng toured the firehouse, spoke with firefighters and saw the way the money she is seeking would be used. Joining her were Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker, Chief of Department John Esposito and other FDNY officials.

Squad 288 and Hazmat 1 share the same firehouse at 56-29 68th Street. HazMat 1 also serves as the HazMat headquarters for the FDNY. 

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MENG STATEMENT ON TERRORIST ATTACK AGAINST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH IN SYRIA

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs and a member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, today issued the following statement on the deadly terrorist attack at a Greek Orthodox Church in Syria.

“I am devastated to learn about the deadly terrorist attack during a peaceful Greek Orthodox service in Syria. No one should fear for their life while worshiping, regardless of their faith. As Syria charts a new course, the United States must continue to stress the importance of protecting religious and ethnic minorities and support efforts to build a more inclusive Syria.

My thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and the Greek Orthodox community. I am continuing to pray for peace in the region. New York’s Greek community – including Greek Americans in Queens – has always been a pillar of strength and solidarity when tragedies impact their families, friends, and neighbors. I know they will rally around the Greek Orthodox community as it mourns and recovers from this attack.”

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Velázquez, Gillibrand, and Schumer Lead NY Lawmakers in Demanding Release of Withheld Education Funds

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

NEW YORK — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) led members of the New York congressional delegation in a letter to the Trump administration calling for the immediate release of over $400 million in federal education funding owed to New York public schools. The funding is part of nearly $7 billion in nationwide education grants that have been withheld by the administration despite their appropriation by Congress. 
 
“This reckless delay of over $400 million dollars, which accounts for 10% of federal K-12 funding in New York is alarming local educators and program directors throughout the state,” wrote the lawmakers. “It is also disrupting school and district planning, jeopardizing programming for millions of students, and could result in layoffs and program cancellations.”
 
In the letter addressed to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers raised concerns over the withholding of nearly $7 billion in federal education funding already enacted for Fiscal Year 2025.
 
The delayed funds include support for after-school programs, summer learning, teacher training, and services for English learners and migrant students. Although fully funded by Congress and signed into law by President Trump as part of the FY25 continuing resolution, states were informed on June 30 that the expected July 1 disbursements would not be made.
 
The letter also raises legal concerns that the continued withholding of funds could violate the Impoundment Control Act. The lawmakers question what legal justification the Department of Education and OMB are relying on to delay the disbursement of these formula grant funds, despite clear direction from Congress.
 
In the letter, the lawmakers call for the Department of Education and OMB to release the funding immediately and provide clarity to states, districts, and community partners. It also requests a legal explanation for the delay and asks whether the administration intends to submit a formal rescission request to Congress.
 
“The Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and ensure equal access to education. Delaying congressionally approved funding deeply undermines that goal and threatens to widen existing opportunity gaps particularly for English learners, low-income families, and communities of color,” continued the lawmakers. “We urge you to disburse all $6.9 billion dollars currently being reviewed and provide immediate clarity to states, districts, and community partners who are now facing chaos in their planning and programming. Our students deserve better.”
 
In addition to Rep. Velázquez, Senator Gillibrand, and Senator Schumer, the letter was signed by Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), George Latimer (NY-16), John Mannion (NY-22), Gregory Meeks (NY-5), Grace Meng (NY-6), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Josh Riley (NY-19), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).
 
For a full copy of the letter, click here.
 

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Velázquez Denounces House Passage of GOP’s Cruel Health Care Cuts and Billionaire Tax Giveaway

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after House Republicans voted to pass their so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” — a cruel and reckless plan that guts Medicaid, slashes food assistance, and delivers massive tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy while endangering the health and economic security of millions of New Yorkers.

“Today, Republicans and Donald Trump pushed through a bill that sells out working families across the country. This will make Americans sicker, hungrier, and poorer while funneling more money to the ultra-wealthy.

“Republicans just voted to rip health care from 1.5 million New Yorkers and slash food assistance for the families who need it most, all to hand out tax breaks to billionaires.

“This bill guts Medicaid, forces hospitals to close, and eliminates over 65,000 health care jobs in New York alone. It could result in over 50,000 preventable deaths each year nationwide. Republicans have also decimated SNAP, the program that helps millions of children, seniors, and working families keep food on the table. In New York, nearly 3 million people rely on SNAP to survive.

“From top to bottom, this bill is a direct attack on working families, immigrants, and the most vulnerable in our society. It is as morally bankrupt as it is economically reckless. The American people will not forget this betrayal, and Republicans will have to face their constituents and explain why they voted to destroy the very programs their communities can’t live without.”

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Velázquez Denuncia la Aprobación en la Cámara de Representantes de los Crueles Recortes del Sistema de Salud del Partido Republicano y el Regalo Fiscal a los Multimillonarios

WASHINGTON — Hoy, la congresista Nydia M. Velázquez ( D-NY) ha hecho pública la siguiente declaración después de que los republicanos de la Cámara de Representantes votaran a favor de su llamado “Big Beautiful Bill”, un plan cruel y temerario que destruye Medicaid, recorta la asistencia alimentaria y ofrece enormes exenciones fiscales a los más ricos, al tiempo que pone en peligro la salud y la seguridad económica de millones de neoyorquinos.

“Hoy, los republicanos y Donald Trump impulsaron un proyecto de ley que vende a las familias trabajadoras de todo el país. Esto hará a los estadounidenses más enfermos, más hambrientos y más pobres, mientras canaliza más dinero a los ultra ricos.

“Los republicanos acaban de votar para arrancar la asistencia médica a 1,5 millones de neoyorquinos y recortar las ayudas alimentarias a las familias que más lo necesitan, todo ello para conceder exenciones fiscales a los multimillonarios. 

“Este proyecto de ley destruye Medicaid, obliga a cerrar hospitales y elimina más de 65.000 puestos de trabajo en el sector sanitario sólo en Nueva York. Podría provocar más de 50.000 muertes evitables al año en todo el país. Los republicanos también han diezmado SNAP, el programa que ayuda a millones de niños, ancianos y familias trabajadoras a mantener los alimentos en la mesa. En Nueva York, casi 3 millones de personas dependen del SNAP para sobrevivir.

“De arriba abajo, este proyecto de ley es un ataque directo a las familias trabajadoras, a los inmigrantes y a los más vulnerables de nuestra sociedad. Es tan moralmente insolvente como económicamente imprudente. El pueblo estadounidense no olvidará esta traición, y los republicanos tendrán que enfrentarse a sus electores y explicarles por qué votaron a favor de destruir los mismos programas sin los que sus comunidades no pueden vivir.”

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Velázquez, Meng, Meeks, and Goldman Join IRS Workers to Expose Unsafe and Overcrowded Conditions at Brooklyn Office

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

BROOKLYN — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-7) and Reps. Grace Meng (NY-6), Gregory Meeks (NY-5), and Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined IRS and CFPB employees to call on the Trump administration to act to immediately address overcrowded and unsafe working conditions at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office in Brooklyn.

“What’s happening to IRS and CFPB workers in New York is unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Since this administration’s return to office mandate, workers are being crammed into overcrowded spaces without proper equipment or privacy, while those with serious health needs are denied basic accommodations. This is all part of Trump and DOGE’s efforts to push out federal workers and tear down their disfavored agencies. These public servants deserve safe conditions, basic respect, and a government that follows the law.”

Velázquez and her colleagues visited the IRS office last month and heard directly from employees facing unsafe conditions, mobility barriers, and repeated denials of remote work despite medical needs. At the press conference, workers shared their experiences under the Trump administration’s return to office mandate, including being forced to work in overcrowded public interview rooms, returning from medical leave without support, and being denied telework even during chemotherapy and pregnancy.

CFPB employees also spoke about being locked out of their Manhattan office for months, with no access to their workspaces or personal belongings.

During the press conference, the lawmakers and workers called for urgent improvements to working conditions, including legally required accommodations for disabled and pregnant workers, and greater accountability from the federal government regarding the unacceptable conditions at offices like 2 MetroTech.

“Imposing adverse working conditions is not how we should treat those who work nonstop to serve us. I support cutting government waste and rooting out fraud and abuse. But that is not what’s happening here. This is throwing our federal workforce into chaos and not treating our federal workers with the dignity and respect they deserve. To all our IRS employees who are impacted, we hear you. We see you. We stand with you. And we will continue fighting on your behalf until this situation improves.”- Congresswoman Grace Meng

“It is unconscionable that the very federal employees who serve the public each day are being subjected to hazardous, overcrowded, and inhumane working conditions,” said Congressman Meeks. “We cannot allow a return-to-office mandate to become a tool for dismantling vital agencies or forcing out dedicated public servants. IRS and CFPB employees and other civil servants across the country, deserve dignity, proper accommodations, and a safe environment in which to do their jobs. I stand with them in demanding accountability and immediate action from this administration.” 

“The conditions at the 2 MetroTech IRS office in Brooklyn are illegal and unacceptable,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “A long-simmering problem has now become a full-blown crisis under this administration’s blanket return-to-office mandate, which has forced hundreds more employees into workspaces plagued by mold, leaks, and unsanitary conditions. This is not neglect but intentional: the Administration is trying to make workplace conditions so bad for federal workers that they voluntarily leave and prevent the government from fulfilling its mission.  I was proud to stand with my New York City colleagues and the National Treasury Employees Union to demand immediate action from the Trump Administration to fix these conditions and ensure federal workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“The IRS has denied reasonable accommodations to our Manhattan members with at risk pregnancies, persons in wheel chairs and other mobility limitations, and persons with acute and chronic illnesses requiring regular healthcare. This is unacceptable and we call on the agency to abide by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, federal law, and common decency and reinstate telework reasonable accommodations.”- Autherine Wilson, NTEU Chapter 47 IRS President

“The New York City IRS offices are overcrowded. Many people are forced to work in conference rooms and cramped interview rooms here at 2 Metrotech. Some of my co-workers here are forced to telework, while some of my disabled co-workers have been forced to work without reasonable accommodations. As federal workers, we deserve dignity and respect in the workplace.”- Yeranissa Almanzar, IRS Worker

“I have been employed in the IRS for 38 years. I use a wheelchair to get around due to my disability. I was able to work at the IRS because I had a reasonable accommodation to work remotely until this year. I love my job, can function at the highest levels and have no problems at work as long as I have a reasonable accommodation.”- Larry Rosenbluth, IRS Worker

“By denying IRS workers reasonable accommodations and locking CFPB employees out of their offices, the administration is putting up barriers to us doing our jobs. We just want to do our work and provide the services that Americans count on.”- Jim Savage, CFPB Worker

“The way the IRS is treating our disabled and pregnant employees who need reasonable accommodations is despicable. At Chapter 271, we always have our members backs and will not give up the fight until the agency reinstates reasonable accommodations for our members.”- Kevin Williams, NTEU Chapter 271 President
 

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Velázquez, Lawmakers and Advocates Rally to End Masked ICE Arrests

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

NEW YORK — Today, outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center at 26 Federal Plaza, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) was joined by Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-NY), immigrant rights advocates, and legal experts to spotlight the No Masks for ICE Act and call for immediate federal action to end secretive, unaccountable immigration enforcement.

“We would never accept it if the NYPD operated in masks without names or badges—and we shouldn’t accept it from ICE either,” said Velázquez. “When agents hide their faces and identities they create chaos, fear, and open the door to abuse. Immigrant communities are left wondering if they’re being arrested or kidnapped. That’s not how law enforcement should operate in a democracy. This bill is about restoring basic standards and bringing basic transparency and accountability to immigration enforcement.”

Velázquez introduced the No Masks for ICE Act earlier this month in response to a surge of incidents in which ICE agents have conducted arrests in plain clothes and masks, without clearly identifying themselves or their agency. Advocates say the arrests have resulted in confusion, panic, and even impersonation by criminals exploiting the lack of accountability.

The bill would:

  1. Prohibit ICE agents from wearing facial coverings during enforcement actions, unless medically necessary or required for safety;
  2. Require agents to wear clearly marked clothing displaying their name and affiliation with ICE during arrests;
  3. Mandate written justification for any use of a mask, to be submitted by a supervisor within 48 hours;
  4. Require DHS to report annually to Congress on any complaints and disciplinary actions related to violations of the bill.

“The past few months we’ve seen a disturbing pattern: masked, plain-clothes agents ambushing immigrants outside courtrooms and on city streets,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler. “If their operations are legitimate and above-board, why is there a need for anonymity, and why don’t they need warrants to come onto private property?  This bill will put an end to those intimidation tactics, restore transparency, and ensure the public knows exactly who is wielding federal power in our communities.”

“Democracy cannot exist in darkness, nor can it exist behind a mask,” said Benjamin Remy, Senior Staff Attorney for New York Legal Assistance Group’s Immigrant Protection Unit. “In immigration courts across the country, we have seen masked ‘agents’ committing violent and atrocious violations of people’s most basic rights — all while shielding themselves from accountability by concealing their identities. Without accountability and transparency, there is no true due process — and this should terrify us all.”
 
“The New Yorkers we serve have a fundamental right to know who is detaining them, why they’re being arrested, and how to hold officers accountable if their rights are violated,” said Deborah Lee, Attorney-in-Charge of the Immigration Law Unit at The Legal Aid Society. “When ICE agents hide behind masks, it creates fear and confusion in already vulnerable immigrant communities — and opens the door to impersonation, abuse, and civil rights violations. Due process means knowing who is detaining you and being able to challenge that detention in court. We applaud prime sponsor Congresswoman Velázquez and co-sponsor Congressman Jerrold Nadler for bringing much-needed attention to an issue that demands action.”
 
The No Masks for ICE act is cosponsored by Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Luz Rivas (D-CA), Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Emily Randall (D-WA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Greg Casar (D-TX).

Read a full copy of the bill here.

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